Czech Republic: ESC: High school for disabled students in Český Těšín

About the local hosting organization

Slezská Diakonie is Christian social service provider which was founded in 1990 by the Silesian Evangelical Church. (www.slezskadiakonie.cz/en) Slezská Diakonie provides a wide range of social and social-health services along with the education in the Moravian-Silesian and South Moravian regions of the Czech Republic. The focus of the services are people with disabilities, homeless people, disadvantaged youth and children and other people who are marginalised for different reasons. According to the records in the Annual report from 2020, Slezská Diakonie employs 798 staff and has registered 111 services. The mission of the organisation is to provide social and social-health services of a high quality in accordance to Biblical principles of love and service to the neighbour. The services provided meet a wide range of needs, and each person is seen to be an individual and therefore the personal approach is the one which guides social service provision. The aim of the services is not just to find a solution to the particular problems of an individual service user. Alongside this, the services aim at preventing social exclusion and offering counselling, community work and institutional care. The phenomena which are dealt with: - domestic violence; - debt of individuals and families; - drug and alcohol abuse; - broken relations & families: foster parenting; - people with disabilities; - elderly people; - homeless people. Diaconal schools (kindergarten, primary school, secondary school) create a learning environment of inclusion and empowerment for each individual pupil in relation to the wide range of physical disability and learning difficulties and autism. In relation to the work of Slezská Diakonie, long term voluntary service is a unique opportunity for mutual learning, including for volunteers, service users and their families, staff, the local community, and others. The interVIA is the title for the umbrella international voluntary service programmes of Slezská Diakonie (www.intervia.cz). It is involved in both hosting and sending young people within Europe and to or from the wider world. The vision is to create possibilities for non-formal and informal learning of the people and groups involved. We believe that: - long-term voluntary service abroad is a unique opportunity in the life of each person to learn more about themselves, other people, and their spirituality and if appropriate, their relationship to God; - volunteering in different country is an enriching experience through which participants gain a new perspective on people, culture, religion and country; - volunteering challenges values, norms and attitudes and can bring change in people and communities. The learning is focused on personal, professional and spiritual growth of the volunteers individually and in international teams. Social, intercultural and socio-political understanding is fostered, and the young volunteers are motivated and encouraged to use time of voluntary service wisely in order to make this unique experience of mutual benefit. Since 2005 interVIA has exchanged nearly 230 volunteers. We join with others within the EU, including Germany, Poland, Spain, Hungary, as well as with other countries world-wide, including Tanzania, Israel, Turkey, the Ukraine and the USA.

Presentation of the programme

Become a volunteer at the Slezská Diakonie School in Český Těšín, dedicated to children and adolescents with mental and physical disabilities. We aim to provide high-quality education and promote social inclusion through personalized educational and therapeutic activities. As a volunteer, you will learn and implement various techniques, including positioning, relaxation, assisting with feeding, and helping students during performances. You'll also engage in music therapy using instruments like drums, guitars, and rain sticks, and learn to use aids such as tablets and chimes. Join us in making a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs while gaining valuable experience. For more information, visit our website www.intervia.cz.

About the accomodation

Volunteer with us – Costs Covered! Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps, most of your expenses are sorted: - Private bedroom in a shared flat ️ - Food allowance: 4200 CZK (~170 EUR)/month ️ - Pocket money: 7 EUR/day - Travel covered: Flights & daily commute ️ - Only pay for your own free-time activities Focus on the adventure, the experience, and making a real difference!

About the leisure activities

Say YES to Volunteering with Slezská Diakonie! Join a vibrant group of international volunteers dedicated to bringing light to those in need. You will: • Engage in meaningful activities and outreach programs • Impact the community • Build unforgettable experiences and friendships You’ll participate in training seminars to support your growth, guided by a coordinator and supervisor. Slezská Diakonie fosters a safe environment where every volunteer feels valued and part of something bigger. Step in, make a difference, and embrace the adventure — together as a community!

Requirements

The Participant profile: If you’re between 18 and 30, open-hearted, eager to grow your professional skills, and excited to embrace new experiences, this project is made for you! Working with children who have various types of disabilities requires patience, responsibility, and the ability to respond quickly in crisis situations. It is essential to be communicative, proactive, and a team player. A key aspect of working with people, particularly those with disabilities, is to always have a smile on your face. Additionally, being proactive and motivated to learn the Czech language is important.Deadline: 15/11/2026 23:59